Peter Theunisz is no stranger to the IISF Trade Show. He has attended since the early 2000s, representing KMG of the Netherlands. Over the years, he expanded his business to offer quality used equipment from Europe through UsedRidesEurope.com and represents new ride sales for KMG and Gosetto of Italy.

Theunisz arrived at the show with modest expectations, citing 15 percent tariffs on European equipment and ongoing labor concerns tied to the H-2B program. To his surprise, the event exceeded expectations.

"The show turned out well," Theunisz said.

At the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Theunisz unveiled plans for a portable Musik Express from Gosetto. The ride will transport on two trailers: a center load and an auxiliary trailer carrying the cars, sweeps, and miscellaneous equipment. Designed to resemble a classic European Himalaya-style attraction, the ride emphasizes portability. Folding platforms extend from the main trailer and can be assembled by four workers. It will feature a traditional European track layout, rear tunnel, full canopy, and updated engineering.


"We presented the design to a U.S. customer at IAAPA, and they committed to the first one in the U.S., with delivery in early 2030," Theunisz said. "A week before Gibtown, I began advertising it and received several leads. On the first day of the show, I sold another for early 2030 delivery, and on Thursday, I sold a third for late 2030."

The first unit will go to Kissel Entertainment.

“Kissel Entertainment has been setting the standard for innovation and excellence in the carnival industry, and our partnership with Gosetto continues that tradition. We are honored to be the first in the United States to introduce the Gosetto Musik Express, that will undoubtedly bring a one-of-kind experience to our fair partners, to our guests, and to our nation. This engineering feat is unique for a reason. The Musik Express is not to be confused with common one-trailer, ‘Himalaya-style rides' that many operators use today. We are building a modern version of the authentic, old-school European Himalaya ride that is unlike anything to be found in the United States. We believe it's essential to continually invest in groundbreaking attractions that elevate the fair experience and set new standards for the entirety of the industry. Through this meaningful collaboration with Gosetto, we're also developing a custom, intricately themed Dark Ride, which will continue to add to the Kissel legacy of delivering unmatched, exceptional, next-generation entertainment,” added a spokesperson for Kissel Entertainment.

On Thursday, Theunisz also sold a new KMG Freak Out to Chip Kedrowicz of Rainbow Valley Rides for 2030 delivery. Rainbow Valley owns one of the original Freak Out models but opted to purchase a new unit rather than refurbish the existing ride. Kedrowicz will have the option to change the order to a different model, such as an Inversion or Lunarix, before construction begins.

KMG's first Lunarix will debut with Kissel Entertainment.

"It's coming earlier than originally planned. They will receive it in April 2027," Theunisz said.

Butler Amusements will take delivery of the second U.S. Lunarix in November 2028.



The next KMG delivery to North America will be an XXL for Garcia Attractions in Mexico. Beauce Carnival will receive an X-Drive in 2028, followed by an XXL for RCS in 2029.

KMG builds approximately 10 to 12 rides annually, depending on size.  "If we built only XXL models, we could produce just six per year," Theunisz said.

"The XXL takes nearly two years to complete. We subcontract the welding, fiberglass, and painting, then handle final assembly at our facility," he said.

KMG's next available production slot is April 2030, and Gosetto is booked through September 2030.

"It's good for us, but difficult for customers. Some want delivery within two years, and that's no longer possible," Theunisz said of the four-year waiting list. "The way owners invest in rides is changing. It's different from 10 or 15 years ago. Operators need to plan well ahead."

He acknowledged the challenge of long-term planning amid labor uncertainty and economic shifts.

"A wait of more than four years is risky for most show owners," he said.

Tariffs remain another consideration. The current rate on European imports is 15 percent, though it could change.

"At one point, it was 50 percent," Theunisz said. "With the tariff, the customer pays 15 percent more."

The tariff is assessed when the ride enters the United States. If the rate changes while a ride is in transit, the owner pays the rate in effect upon arrival.

KMG reports that new ride designs are in development, with debuts planned for 2029 or 2030. Both are classified as super spectaculars, traveling on three and four trailers respectively. The initial units will be delivered in Europe to streamline testing and troubleshooting.

During the trade show, KMG's 70-meter Observation Wheel made its North American debut at the Florida State Fair. The wheel originally premiered in the Netherlands and performed well during the pandemic as a restaurant-style attraction, when traditional venues were limited.



"During the pandemic, wheels could operate because families could sit together in private gondolas," Theunisz said.

As venues reopened, interest in dining aboard the wheel declined, and KMG ultimately reacquired the ride.

Michael Wood and Frank Zaitshik later purchased the wheel. Significant modifications were required to meet U.S. standards, including changes to the trailer electrical systems, axle placement, rear bumpers, reflectors, and gondola climate control systems.

Theunisz acknowledged that selling another wheel of that scale would require a specialized buyer, given the investment and need for a dedicated crew. Following its debut in Florida, there has been some interest in the United States and abroad, however, he believes if a wheel of that size were to be built again, it would most likely be built for a European client.

As he prepared to return to the Netherlands, Theunisz said he hopes to visit customers and prospective buyers on their midways this summer. KMG also plans to exhibit at the IAAPA Expo in Orlando this November.